Dr. Jeffrey Botkin to Participate in MISS EVERS' BOYS Talkback at the Grand Theatre

The Grand Theatre is presenting the Utah premier of Miss Evers' Boys, the 1992 play by awarding-winning playwright David Feldshuh, February 2 through 18. The play, based on the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama that same year. As part of the production, the theatre is hosting a "talk back" after the 2:00 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, February 11. The "talk back" will feature director Toni Byrd, the actors, and Dr. Jeffrey Botkin, Vice President of Research Integrity at the University of Utah. Participants in the "talk back" will discuss the medical and ethical themes brought out in the play, with the actors discussing their characters' development as related to the medical experimentation. Jan Abramson, MS, will moderate the discussion. The event is free of charge and will begin after the matinee, in the theatre, at approximately 4:30 p.m.

The Tuskegee experiment was a U. S. funded secret medical experiment on poor African Americans from 1932 to 1972, designed to study the effects of untreated syphilis. In the play, Eunice Evers is the nurse caring for these men. She is aware of their lack of treatment, but feels her role it so console the dying men, many of whom are her direct friends. 

For this matinee performance, a special student rate of $5 per ticket for an A or B section seat is available. The themes presented in "Miss Evers' Boys, and the ideas discussed in the "talk back" are particularly relevant to students and professionals in the medical community. Tickets can be purchased through our website at www.the-grand.org using the coupon code "Bama" at checkout or through the box office. Only one ticket per student is allowed at this discounted rate. Students must show current student identification when picking up their tickets from the box office. 

Cast members include Latoya Rhodes as Eunice Evers; Sean Carter as Willie Johnson; Ricardo Cumba as Hodman Bryan; Brien Jones as Dr. Eugene Brodus; Gregory Lang as Ben Washington; Lonzo Liggins as Caleb Humphries; and Jeffrey Owen as Dr. John Douglas. The play is directed by Toni Byrd, co-founder of the EttaGrace Black Theatre Company, and well-known actor and director in the Salt Lake area. Dr. Jeffrey Botkin is a Professor of Pediatrics and Adjunct Professor of Human Genetics and Internal Medicine and is nationally known for his research which is focused on the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic technology with a particular emphasis on research ethics, genetic testing for cancer susceptibility, newborn screening, and prenatal diagnosis.

Play dates: February 2 through 18. Evening performances 7:30 pm Thursday - Saturday, matinee February 4 and 11 at 2:00 pm.  
Location: The Grand Theatre, 1575 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Tickets: Prices are $10 - 24 for adults. SLCC students receive a free ticket.  
Reservations: 801-957-3322 or online at www.the-grand.org

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